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Del Pozo G, Ezan P, Moubassat M, Déchelotte P. Does so-called "healthy" content on instagram display balanced recipes? A pilot study in relation to the risk of unhealthy eating patterns in social network users. Appetite 2024; 200:107542. [PMID: 38844048 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE social networks (SN) including Instagram have increased in popularity. However, SN-mediated content may influence eating behaviors in a negative way. This study analyzed whether Instagram content claimed as "healthy" complies with nutritional guidelines. METHODS recipes posted in French on Instagram with the caption #healthy or similar ones were analyzed, once from February to May 2023 and again in April 2024. Health authorities' guidelines and food pyramid inclusion criteria were used for the quantitative and qualitative analysis, respectively. Recipes were then classified as balanced, partially unbalanced or unbalanced, with the two subgroups "restrictive" and "excessive", and according to the main protein source. RESULTS we coded a total of 114 courses (2 datasets of 57 courses each). Among these, 3 were classified as balanced main courses, 45 as partially unbalanced main courses and 66 as unbalanced main courses (21 were deemed as restrictive, 21 as excessive and 24 were otherwise inadequate), with a majority of hypocaloric courses. Approximately half of the recipes were vegetarian or vegan. DISCUSSION these results suggest that food recipes published on Instagram as #healthy may, at times, be far from nutritional guidelines and could rather promote unbalanced eating patterns. This suggest that food-related content on SN might be insufficiently moderated and that recipes referenced as #healthy should perhaps be accompanied by warnings and preventive measures. This observation, in addition to other detrimental behaviors displayed on SN (e.g. extreme physical activity or body image pressure) may contribute to the increased incidence of eating disorders (ED) associated with problematic SN use. Alerts on this risk and accessible tools for the prevention and early detection of ED risk in SN users are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Del Pozo
- Nutrition Department and UMR INSERM 1073, Nutrition, Inflammation and Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis - UMR 1073, 22 Boulevard Gambetta, 76000, Rouen, France.
| | - Pascale Ezan
- (NIMEC - University Le Havre Normandie), Université Le Havre Normandie PRSH 25, Rue Philippe Lebon BP 1123, 76063, Le Havre cedex, France.
| | - Marilyn Moubassat
- Nutrition Department and UMR INSERM 1073, Nutrition, Inflammation and Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis - UMR 1073, 22 Boulevard Gambetta, 76000, Rouen, France.
| | - Pierre Déchelotte
- Nutrition Department and UMR INSERM 1073, Nutrition, Inflammation and Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis - UMR 1073, 22 Boulevard Gambetta, 76000, Rouen, France.
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2
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Pryde S, Kemps E, Prichard I. "You started working out to get a flat stomach and a fat a$$": A content analysis of fitspiration videos on TikTok. Body Image 2024; 51:101769. [PMID: 39013285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Fitspiration presents idealised bodies to viewers, emphasising a fit ideal to women and a muscular ideal to men. Previous content analyses have focused on images from Instagram, with research yet to examine video content on TikTok or verify the accuracy of the diet and exercise information posted by fitness influencers. This content analysis examined 200 videos from popular TikTok fitspiration hashtags (fitness, fitspo, gymtok, fittok). Two independent coders used a standardised codebook containing definitions and examples for coding. Overall, 78 % of videos showed only women, and 10 % of videos showed only men. Videos of women included both fit and thin idealised bodies, whole body and specific body part objectification, harmful themes, and promoted appearance-related reasons for exercise more frequently than videos containing men. Videos of men included muscular idealised bodies and objectification through face obscurity (excluding the face from view) more frequently than videos of women. Most videos were posted by fitness influencers, and 60 % of videos presented incorrect or harmful information. Findings suggest that fitspiration TikTok content contains characteristics known to negatively impact body image and highlights gendered differences in content themes. Further investigation is required on the promotion of appearance reasons to exercise, and the credibility of information and content creators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Pryde
- Flinders University, Psychology, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Australia; Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute and SHAPE Research Centre, Australia.
| | - Eva Kemps
- Flinders University, Psychology, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Australia
| | - Ivanka Prichard
- Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute and SHAPE Research Centre, Australia
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3
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Paraskeva N, Haywood S, Hasan F, Nicholls D, Toledano MB, Diedrichs PC. An exploration of having social media influencers deliver a first-line digital intervention to improve body image among adolescent girls: A qualitative study. Body Image 2024; 51:101753. [PMID: 38901182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Social media influencers are popular among adolescents and could offer a unique way to reach young people at scale with body image interventions. This study explored girls' and influencers' views on having influencers deliver body image interventions through vlogs (video blogs) and to gain insight into their preferred format, content, and views on factors that encourage engagement with vlogs. Twenty-one UK based participants were recruited. Three online focus groups were conducted with adolescent girls (n = 16) aged 14-18 years and one with influencers (n = 5) aged 24-33 years, who had a collective following of over 1.5 million subscribers across social media platforms. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes were generated: Choosing an influencer whose messages and core values are aligned with the topic of body image; the importance of influencer authenticity and personal experience; collaborating on content creation with mental health professionals; and the need for long-form (i.e., 10-20 min) content to address serious topics. Findings suggest having influencers deliver body image interventions to young people could be a useful approach. Results highlight the need to engage with end users from the outset of intervention development to increase the likelihood of intervention effectiveness and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Paraskeva
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
| | - Sharon Haywood
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Farheen Hasan
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Dasha Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mireille B Toledano
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, UK; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, Imperial College London, UK
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4
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Nath S, Bhattacharya S, Golla VB, Kumar R. Effect of Social Media on Diet, Lifestyle, and Performance of Athletes: A Review of Current Evidence. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:240-250. [PMID: 38460051 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00526-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Social media (SM) plays an important role in providing diet and health advice to athletes, but it also carries with it a risk of credibility in the information sought for and received. The objective of this review is to assess the knowledge gap on how SM influences dietary and lifestyle practices in athletes. RECENT FINDINGS For this, relevant literature was searched in three leading databases with appropriate keywords, which were subjected to proper scrutiny that led to inclusion of 22 articles (original research papers, reviews, viewpoints, and commentaries). The current era of digitalization has seen an over-reliance on internet and SM for nutrition and lifestyle advice for an athlete. SM has become a powerful tool in athlete's choice of food, nutrition information, healthy living, and performance, with merits and demerits. Their role in choosing dietary supplements and particular food types (e.g., ketogenic diet), body image, self-esteem and eating disorders, and in lifestyle and performance are discussed. SM should be used with caution and should not be used alone as a source of information for nutrition related pieces of advise by athletes. Any food type and supplements trending in SM should be discussed with a sports nutritionist before consumption. SM influencers having a big follower base may not always be disseminating the right knowledge on food and nutrition, thus caution should be exercised. For optimal benefit to the athlete, SM information should be in alignment with recommendations provided by sports nutrition and coaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Nath
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, 814152, Jharkhand, India.
| | | | - Vani Bhushanam Golla
- Department of Sports Nutrition, National Center for Sports, Science and Research, Sports Authority of India, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
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5
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Willoughby JF, Couto L, Kang S, Randall J, Kirkpatrick AW, Lee DKL, Su Y, Booth AM, Domgaard S. An Exploratory Content Analysis of the Use of Health Communication Strategies and Presence of Objectification in Fitness Influencer Social Media Posts. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:888-895. [PMID: 36998109 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2190248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Health and fitness content intended to inspire people to live healthy lives (e.g. "fitspiration") has been linked to negative body image among girls and young women. Fitness influencers purport wanting to motivate healthy behaviors. This study seeks to examine the presence of strategies known to positively influence health behaviors (e.g. attitudes, self-efficacy) as well as of content known to have a negative influence (e.g. objectification) among fitness influencers. We conducted a content analysis (N = 441) of a random sample of one year of posts from four Instagram fitness influencers popular with girls and young women in the United States. The main analysis consisted of codes related to objectification, health promotion strategies, health-related content, and social engagement (i.e., likes). We found that fitness influencers included content that conveyed constructs previously found to positively influence health behaviors (e.g., attitudes and self-efficacy), but objectification was frequently present, in more than half of the posts. Additionally, we found that the presence of objectification in posts was negatively associated with likes, a form of social endorsement. We suggest health communicators aim to work in tandem with fitness influencers to include content that may motivate positive health behaviors and improve media literacy and that influencers aim to reduce the amount of objectifying content included in their posts. Our findings shed light on content being conveyed and possible insights into the negative effects associated with viewing such content.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leticia Couto
- The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University
| | - Soojung Kang
- The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University
| | - Jordyn Randall
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of North Texas
| | - Alex W Kirkpatrick
- The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University
| | | | - Yan Su
- School of Journalism and Communication, Peking University
| | | | - Shawn Domgaard
- The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University
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6
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Motta M, Liu Y, Yarnell A. "Influencing the influencers:" a field experimental approach to promoting effective mental health communication on TikTok. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5864. [PMID: 38467750 PMCID: PMC10928193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A substantial body of social scientific research considers the negative mental health consequences of social media use on TikTok. Fewer, however, consider the potentially positive impact that mental health content creators ("influencers") on TikTok can have to improve health outcomes; including the degree to which the platform exposes users to evidence-based mental health communication. Our novel, influencer-led approach remedies this shortcoming by attempting to change TikTok creator content-producing behavior via a large, within-subject field experiment (N = 105 creators with a reach of over 16.9 million viewers; N = 3465 unique videos). Our randomly-assigned field intervention exposed influencers on the platform to either (a) asynchronous digital (.pdf) toolkits, or (b) both toolkits and synchronous virtual training sessions that aimed to promote effective evidence-based mental health communication (relative to a control condition, exposed to neither intervention). We find that creators treated with our asynchronous toolkits-and, in some cases, those also attending synchronous training sessions-were significantly more likely to (i) feature evidence-based mental health content in their videos and (ii) generate video content related to mental health issues. Moderation analyses further reveal that these effects are not limited to only those creators with followings under 2 million users. Importantly, we also document large system-level effects of exposure to our interventions; such that TikTok videos featuring evidence-based content received over half a million additional views in the post-intervention period in the study's treatment groups, while treatment group mental health content (in general) received over three million additional views. We conclude by discussing how simple, cost-effective, and influencer-led interventions like ours can be deployed at scale to influence mental health content on TikTok.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Motta
- Department of Health Law, Policy, & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Yuning Liu
- Center for Health Communication, Harvard University TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Amanda Yarnell
- Center for Health Communication, Harvard University TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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7
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Pfender E, Bleakley A. An Elicitation Study to Understand Young Adults' Beliefs About Seeking Health Information From Social Media Influencers. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:205-216. [PMID: 37933624 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231208391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Social media influencers increasingly make health recommendations on social media. Research on influencer health messaging is mixed in that some studies show it can result in misleading or harmful health information, and others demonstrate it can lead to beneficial behavioral outcomes. However, there is little research on young adults' beliefs about following health guidance from influencers. Guided by the reasoned action approach, this study examined young adults' attitudes, normative beliefs, and control in seeking health information from social media influencers using focus groups (n = 31). Results suggest that young adults obtain health information from influencers and perceive them as a source of health education. Several barriers to getting health information from influencers were mentioned, including sponsorship, lack of credibility, and perceived normative pressure to critically analyze influencer content from peers and family. Practical and theoretical implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Pfender
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Amy Bleakley
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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8
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Laestadius LI, Van Hoorn K, Wahl M, Witt A, Carlyle KE, Guidry JPD. Promotion of an Algorithm-Based Tool for Pregnancy Prevention by Instagram Influencers. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:141-151. [PMID: 37976205 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Despite growing concerns that some digital algorithm-reliant fertility awareness-based methods of pregnancy prevention are marketed in an inaccurate, opaque, and potentially harmful manner online, there has been limited systematic examination of such marketing practices. This article therefore provides an empirical examination of how social media influencers have promoted the fertility tracking tool Daysy on Instagram. We investigate: (1) how the tool is framed in relation to pregnancy prevention using Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, and (2) the promotional and disclosure practices adopted by influencers. Materials and Methods: We collected Instagram posts mentioning Daysy made between June 2018 and May 2022 using the tool CrowdTangle. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, we coded a random sample of 400 Daysy posts. This yielded 122 Instagram influencer posts promoting Daysy for pregnancy prevention that we coded for promotional content and HBM constructs. Results: Posts originated primarily from Europe (n = 62, 50.82%) and the United States (n = 37, 30.33%). Findings indicate that barriers to use (n = 18, 15.57%) and the severity of risks from unplanned pregnancy (n = 8, 6.56%) were rarely conveyed, whereas benefits of use (n = 122, 100%) and the severity of risks of hormonal contraception (n = 31, 25.41%) were covered more extensively. Only about one third of posts disclosed any formal relationship to the brand Daysy. Conclusions: With many posts emphasizing benefits and obscuring potential limitations, we argue that accurate and transparent information about the effectiveness and limitations of fertility tracking technologies is critical for supporting informed decision-making and, as such, should remain a public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea I Laestadius
- Zilber College of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kelsey Van Hoorn
- Zilber College of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan Wahl
- Zilber College of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alice Witt
- Social and Global Studies Centre, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kellie E Carlyle
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jeanine P D Guidry
- Department Communication and Cognition, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
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9
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Bjørkkjær T, Palojoki P, Beinert C. Harnessing the untapped potential of food education in schools: Nurturing the school subject Food and Health. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024; 20 Suppl 2:e13521. [PMID: 37114411 PMCID: PMC10765364 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Essential life skills related to food and meals have a potential triple dividend for children and adolescents, that is, short-term, medium-term and possible generational effects with regard to public health, sustainability and well-being of future citizens in local communities. While parents and childhood environments are a basis for learning about food and meals, systematic food education in the setting of primary and lower secondary schools may have a significant role that should be utilized more strongly, reaching and benefitting all pupils from a life course perspective. Through this article, we explore the current state of the art of the mandatory school subject Food and Health (FH) from the Nordic perspective. Our leading questions are: (1) What potential is currently utilized and which future potential does FH education have in primary and secondary schools in terms of food education for essential life skills and competencies, and (2) How can this untapped potential be better harnessed with a goal of facilitating better learning in FH? Drawing on data from Norway as a case study, supported by Swedish and Finnish data, we discuss the status, challenges and potential reformation of food education, focusing on FH. This includes perspectives on the prioritization of the FH subject and the organization of more systematic food education in schools, which might improve FH's status and significance. Combining theory-practice, creating room for discussion and focusing less on cooking-related activities may better facilitate learning in FH. Without proper FH, food education might be nonsystematic, thereby generating unequal outcomes for children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tormod Bjørkkjær
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Sport SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
- Centre for Lifecourse NutritionUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Päivi Palojoki
- Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sports Science, Faculty of EducationUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Education, Faculty of Educational SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Cecilie Beinert
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Sport SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
- Centre for Lifecourse NutritionUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
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10
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Evans NJ, Adams G, Jun H. Leveraging influencers to increase HPV vaccination intention: The impact of message framing and health regulatory fit using repeated measures. Health Mark Q 2024; 41:50-70. [PMID: 37747094 DOI: 10.1080/07359683.2023.2261801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Through a series of two online experiments that incorporate a repeated measures design, we examine how message framing (loss versus gain) within Instagram influencers' posts interact with consumers' health regulatory orientation (promotion versus prevention) to impact HPV vaccination intention between two data collection points. Findings indicate that among those who are more prevention oriented, exposure to a loss-framed influencer advertisement was effective at increasing intention to receive an HPV vaccine relative to those that were exposed to gain-framed influencer advertisement. Based on these findings we offer theoretical and managerial implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J Evans
- Department of Advertising & Public Relations, University of Georgia, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Grace Adams
- University of Georgia, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Hyoyeun Jun
- Department of English, Communications and Media, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Public Relations, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI, USA
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11
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Engel E, Gell S, Heiss R, Karsay K. Social media influencers and adolescents' health: A scoping review of the research field. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116387. [PMID: 38039770 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Social media influencers (SMIs) have become an important source of health information for adolescents. However, the lack of expertise and commercial interests of SMIs pose challenges for adolescent health. To gain a better understanding of these challenges, this scoping review aimed to synthesize existing research on the role of SMIs in adolescent health. Using the PRISMA-ScR approach, we conducted a comprehensive search of eight databases and screened articles based on predefined criteria. The final sample included 51 articles published between 2012 and 2022. Results revealed inconsistent definitions and classifications of SMIs. The most common topics included appearance, nutrition, and substance use, while mental and sexual health topics were underrepresented. The ability of SMIs to establish trustworthy relationships with their followers was highlighted in the reviewed studies, shedding light on potential benefits and challenges for adolescent health. However, most studies focused on the negative roles of SMIs, such as the promotion of unrealistic body images, unhealthy diets, substance use, and inaccurate diagnosis and treatment advice. In addition, inappropriate advertising of unhealthy products (e.g., junk food, tobacco products and alcohol) was identified as a major challenge. The reviewed studies identified stricter regulation and improved social media and health literacy as important avenues for policy action. Less attention was given to the potential positive impact of SMIs and how to effectively include them in health promotion campaigns. In addition, the majority of studies were conducted in the Global North and relied on quantitative approaches, resulting in a lack of representation of minority populations and male adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Engel
- University of Vienna, Department of Communication, Kolingasse 14-16, 1070 Vienna, Austria; MCI | The Entrepreneurial School©, Center for Social & Health Innovation, Universitätsstraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Sascha Gell
- University of Vienna, Department of Communication, Kolingasse 14-16, 1070 Vienna, Austria; MCI | The Entrepreneurial School©, Center for Social & Health Innovation, Universitätsstraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Raffael Heiss
- MCI | The Entrepreneurial School©, Center for Social & Health Innovation, Universitätsstraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Kathrin Karsay
- University of Vienna, Department of Communication, Kolingasse 14-16, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Durau J, Diehl S, Terlutter R. Working (out) with fitness influencers - benefits for the fitness influencer, user health, and the endorsed brand: Key factors and the role of gender and brand familiarity. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241258393. [PMID: 38832102 PMCID: PMC11145997 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241258393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Fitness influencers have become important digital health communicators with regard to influencing consumer health behaviours, such as physical activity. We investigate how working (out) with these new communicators can generate benefits for the fitness influencer, user health, and endorsed brands. Based on the source credibility, social identity theory, and gender congruity research, this paper aims to identify the main factors that affect users' attitudes toward the fitness influencer (influencer benefit), users' exercise intentions (user health benefit) and their purchase intentions (brand benefit), considering user and influencer gender. Methods Two studies were conducted, both with male and female influencers and users. In study 1 (n = 496), the fitness influencer endorsed an unfamiliar brand, and in study 2 (n = 529) a familiar brand was endorsed. To test the proposed models and to estimate the path coefficients, structural equation modelling was performed. Results Key influencing factors were identified in the two studies: For attitude toward the influencer, source credibility is the most important; for exercise intention, parasocial interaction and attitude toward the behaviour are crucial; and purchase intention is largely predicted by the brand attitude. The studies revealed gender-congruent and non-congruent tendencies for female and male respondents, and different effects of unfamiliar and familiar brands. Conclusions Working (out) with fitness influencers can improve user attitudes toward the influencer, increase users' exercise intentions, and increase brand purchase intentions, for both unfamiliar and familiar brands. Some gender congruity and some gender incongruity effects exist. The paper discusses important implications for theory and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Durau
- Department of Media and Communications, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Sandra Diehl
- Department of Media and Communications, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Ralf Terlutter
- Department of Marketing and International Management, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
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13
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Hyży A, Jaworski M, Cieślak I, Gotlib-Małkowska J, Panczyk M. Improving Eating Habits at the Office: An Umbrella Review of Nutritional Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:5072. [PMID: 38140338 PMCID: PMC10745686 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Workplace nutrition interventions have garnered attention as a pivotal component of employee well-being and organisational productivity. However, the effectiveness of various intervention types remains inconclusive. This review aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy of cognitive, behavioural, and mixed nutrition interventions in the workplace, considering the nuances of intervention design, setting, and target demographics. (2) A comprehensive umbrella review was conducted, categorising the existing literature into person-oriented and environmental strategies. This review was prepared in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting standard. (3) The analysis revealed a lack of definitive evidence supporting the universal effectiveness of any single intervention type. Nonetheless, behavioural and mixed interventions demonstrated more favourable outcomes as compared to purely cognitive strategies. Factors such as intervention design, workplace setting, and target group characteristics were identified as significant determinants of the intervention success. (4) The review emphasises the imperative for additional investigations that utilise evidence-based approaches to formulate sound guidelines for efficacious nutrition interventions in occupational settings. This review functions as a foundational framework for guiding both scholarly research and the pragmatic execution of nutrition programs in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mariusz Panczyk
- Department of Education and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-581 Warsaw, Poland; (A.H.); (M.J.); (I.C.); (J.G.-M.)
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14
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Gülpınar G, Uzun MB, Iqbal A, Anderson C, Syed W, Al-Rawi MBA. A model of purchase intention of complementary and alternative medicines: the role of social media influencers' endorsements. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:439. [PMID: 38053060 PMCID: PMC10696731 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social Media Influencers (SMIs) are a fashionable way of marketing products by creating electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) on social media. The marketing of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) by SMIs is becoming increasingly popular and gaining credibility within consumers on social media platforms. Nonetheless, advising about healthcare products on social media should be examined as it is different from endorsing other kinds of commercial products. The aim of this study is to develop a model that provides the underlying mechanisms of the stimuli of SMIs on social media towards consumers' purchase intention of CAMs. METHODS This study used best fit framework synthesis methods to develop the model. A priori theory selection was conducted by identifying a BeHEMoTh strategy (Behavior of Interest, Health context, Exclusions and Models or Theories) to systematically approach identifying relevant models and theories relative to the research aim. Further evidence derived from primary research studies that describe the behavior identified is coded against selected a priori theory to develop the model. RESULTS This study presents a novel model for understanding the purchase behavior of CAMs using SMIs as a marketing strategy. The model included two well-known theories (theory of planned behaviour theory and source credibility theory) as well as extensive existing research from a multidisciplinary perspective. The model is exclusively designed to help identify elements affecting perceived source credibility and factors that have an influence over consumers' preferences to purchase CAMs by taking into consideration SMIs' endorsements. CONCLUSIONS This study provides unique insights introducing new research areas to health literature and offers, new roles for healthcare professionals in this digital era by gaining new skills and competencies required to provide more credible and accurate information about CAMs. The study also highlights the new marketing era of online health-related product endorsements and recommends that policymakers and researchers carefully evaluate the impact of SMI's on the use of CAMs, as well as to regulate the content of these promotional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Gülpınar
- Department of Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Barlas Uzun
- Department of Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Gülhane Pharmacy, Sağlık Bilimleri University, 06018, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayesha Iqbal
- Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
- Office of Lifelong Learning and the Physician Learning Program, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, T6G1C9, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Claire Anderson
- Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Wajid Syed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mahmood Basil A Al-Rawi
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Patra BG, Sun Z, Cheng Z, Kumar PKRJ, Altammami A, Liu Y, Joly R, Jedlicka C, Delgado D, Pathak J, Peng Y, Zhang Y. Automated classification of lay health articles using natural language processing: a case study on pregnancy health and postpartum depression. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1258887. [PMID: 38053538 PMCID: PMC10694448 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1258887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Evidence suggests that high-quality health education and effective communication within the framework of social support hold significant potential in preventing postpartum depression. Yet, developing trustworthy and engaging health education and communication materials requires extensive expertise and substantial resources. In light of this, we propose an innovative approach that involves leveraging natural language processing (NLP) to classify publicly accessible lay articles based on their relevance and subject matter to pregnancy and mental health. Materials and methods We manually reviewed online lay articles from credible and medically validated sources to create a gold standard corpus. This manual review process categorized the articles based on their pertinence to pregnancy and related subtopics. To streamline and expand the classification procedure for relevance and topics, we employed advanced NLP models such as Random Forest, Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), and Generative Pre-trained Transformer model (gpt-3.5-turbo). Results The gold standard corpus included 392 pregnancy-related articles. Our manual review process categorized the reading materials according to lifestyle factors associated with postpartum depression: diet, exercise, mental health, and health literacy. A BERT-based model performed best (F1 = 0.974) in an end-to-end classification of relevance and topics. In a two-step approach, given articles already classified as pregnancy-related, gpt-3.5-turbo performed best (F1 = 0.972) in classifying the above topics. Discussion Utilizing NLP, we can guide patients to high-quality lay reading materials as cost-effective, readily available health education and communication sources. This approach allows us to scale the information delivery specifically to individuals, enhancing the relevance and impact of the materials provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braja Gopal Patra
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhaoyi Sun
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zilin Cheng
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Abdullah Altammami
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yiyang Liu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rochelle Joly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Caroline Jedlicka
- Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- Samuel J. Wood Library & C.V. Starr Biomedical Information Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diana Delgado
- Samuel J. Wood Library & C.V. Starr Biomedical Information Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jyotishman Pathak
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yifan Peng
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yiye Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Ramirez LG, Wickner PG, Cline NB, Rehman N, Wu AC, Pien LC, Stukus D. How Likes and Retweets Impacted Our Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:3356-3364. [PMID: 37536500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The growing dependence on social media for health-related information boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, posing unprecedented challenges in navigating the vast amounts of information available right at our fingertips. Social media had a major impact on clinical decision-making affecting individuals, communities, and societies at large. In this review, we discuss the role of social media in amplifying information and misinformation as well as factors contributing to its reliance and prevalence. We review how medical providers have been impacted by this changing landscape, useful communication strategies to employ with in-office patient encounters, and how we can be active players in using social media as a tool for health promotion, correcting misinformation, and preparing for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes G Ramirez
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Paige G Wickner
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Nicholas B Cline
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Narmeen Rehman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Ann Chen Wu
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lily C Pien
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Office of Educator and Scholar Development, Education Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David Stukus
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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17
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Pfender EJ, Wanzer C, Bleakley A. A Content Analysis of Social Media influencers' "What I Eat in a day" Vlogs on YouTube. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37743622 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2260966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Food diaries on social media, known as "what I eat in a day" (WIEIAD) content, are increasingly popular across a variety of platforms, and can potentially affect audiences' attitudes and behaviors regarding diet. WIEIAD content is frequently posted by social media influencers (SMI), who have powerful and persuasive effects on their audiences. Using expectancy-value and social norms as theoretical frameworks, this study examines characteristics of SMIs and the way they talk about diet. A mixed-methods content analysis of YouTube vlogs (n = 83) posted from October 2015 to October 2016, and October 2021 to October 2022 was conducted on SMIs who post WIEIAD vlogs. Results suggested that influencers may want to embrace body positivity, but their WIEIAD day content contains weight normative messaging. Furthermore, influencers send messages about what health should look like and assign social identities to specific diets. Aside from sponsorship, influencers use other persuasive strategies to grow large followers, such as listing positive expectancies of their diets. Future research should examine the effects of WIEIAD content on diet-related attitudes and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy Bleakley
- Department of Communication, University of Delaware
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18
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Robinson J, Nitschke E, Tovar A, Mattar L, Gottesman K, Hamlett P, Rozga M. Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions Provided by Nutrition and Exercise Practitioners for the General Population: An Evidence-Based Practice Guideline From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Council on Exercise. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023; 123:1215-1237.e5. [PMID: 37061182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
A nutritious diet and adequate physical activity vitally contribute to disease prevention, but most adults do not meet population-based dietary and physical activity recommendations. Qualified nutrition and exercise practitioners can address challenges to adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors by providing consistent, individualized, and evidence-based education and programming within their professional scopes of practice to improve client outcomes. The objective of this evidence-based practice guideline is to inform practice decisions for nutrition and exercise practitioners providing nutrition and physical activity interventions for adults who are healthy or have cardiometabolic risk factors, but no diagnosed disease. Evidence from a systematic review was translated to practice recommendations using an evidence-to-decision framework by an interdisciplinary team of nutrition and exercise practitioners and researchers. This evidence-based practice guideline does not provide specific dietary or physical activity recommendations but rather informs nutrition and exercise practitioners how they may utilize existing guidelines for the general population to individualize programming for a range of clients. This evidence-based practice guideline provides widely applicable recommendation statements and a detailed framework to help practitioners implement the recommendations into practice. Common barriers and facilitators encountered when delivering nutrition and physical activity interventions, such as adherence to professional scopes of practice; methods to support behavior change; and methods to support inclusion, diversity, equity, and access, are discussed. Nutrition and exercise practitioners can consistently provide individualized, practical, and evidence-based interventions by seeking to understand their clients' needs, circumstances, and values and by co-creating interventions with the client and their allied health team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Robinson
- Kinesiology Department, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California
| | - Erin Nitschke
- Department of Exercise Science, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, Wyoming
| | | | - Lama Mattar
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Lebanon
| | - Kimberly Gottesman
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Peggy Hamlett
- Department of Kinesiology, Washington State University Pullman, Washington
| | - Mary Rozga
- Evidence Analysis Center, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, Illinois.
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19
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Marsh A, Hundley VA, Luce A, Richens Y. The perfect birth: a content analysis of midwives' posts about birth on Instagram. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:422. [PMID: 37286939 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05706-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited research into how midwives use social media within their professional role. Small pilot studies have explored the introduction of social media into maternity practice and teaching but there is little evidence around how midwives use social media professionally. This is important as 89% of pregnant women turn to social media for advice during pregnancy, and how midwives use social media could be influencing women, their perception of birth and their decision making. METHODS AIM: To analyse how popular midwives portray birth on the social media platform Instagram. This is an observational mixed methods study using content analysis. Five 'popular' midwives from each country (UK, New Zealand, USA and Australia) were identified and their posts about birth collated from a one-year period (2020-21). Images/videos were then coded. Descriptive statistics enabled comparison of the posts by country. Categorisation was used to analyse and understand the content. RESULTS The study identified 917 posts from the 20 midwives' accounts, containing 1216 images/videos, with most coming from USA (n = 466), and UK (n = 239), Australia (n = 205) and New Zealand (n = 7) respectively. Images/videos were categorised into 'Birth Positivity', 'Humour', 'Education', 'Birth Story' and 'Advertisement'. Midwives' portrayals of birth represented a greater proportion of vaginal births, waterbirths and homebirths than known national birth statistics. The most popular midwives identified mainly had private businesses (n = 17). Both the midwives and women portrayed in images were primarily white, demonstrating a disproportionate representation. CONCLUSION There is a small midwifery presence on Instagram that is not representative of the broader profession, or the current picture of midwifery care. This paper is the first study to explore how midwives are using the popular social media platform Instagram to portray birth. It provides insight into how midwives post an un-medicalised, low risk representation of birth. Further research is recommended to explore midwives' motivation behind their posts, and how pregnant and postnatal women engage with social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marsh
- Centre for Midwifery Maternal & Perinatal Health, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth Gateway Building, St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth, BH8 8GP, UK.
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London, WC1E 6DB, UK.
| | - Vanora A Hundley
- Centre for Midwifery Maternal & Perinatal Health, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth Gateway Building, St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth, BH8 8GP, UK
| | - Ann Luce
- Department of Journalism and Communication, Bournemouth University, Weymouth House, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Yana Richens
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
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20
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Eng N, Sun Y, Myrick JG. Who is your Fitspiration? An Exploration of Strong and Weak Ties with Emotions, Body Satisfaction, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:1477-1489. [PMID: 35001776 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.2012978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Physical inactivity has become an increasingly important concern for public health. "Fitspiration" social media posts may influence attitudes and intentions toward exercising. An online survey (N = 485) was conducted to examine the potential for fitspiration content from weak and strong ties to shape user emotions, attitudes, norms and behaviors related to exercising. Guided by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social cognitive theory (SCT), the results show that exposure to fitspiration content from both strong ties and weak ties were significant predictors of particular attitudes, norms, intentions, actual exercise frequency. However, our path analyses reveal significant indirect paths between exposure to fitspiration content and outcomes for weak ties through negative emotions (guilt), but only through positive emotions (hope and curiosity) for strong ties. Additionally, we found evidence that body satisfaction levels do matter in shaping the interrelationships between exposure to fitspiration content, emotions, and our outcome variables. In light of our results, we encourage researchers to consider the inclusion of emotional responses as antecedents to TPB outcomes and for practitioners to consider the role of source in campaign design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Eng
- Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Department of Media Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Yuan Sun
- Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Department of Media Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Jessica Gall Myrick
- Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Department of Media Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
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21
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Denniss E, Lindberg R, McNaughton SA. Nutrition-Related Information on Instagram: A Content Analysis of Posts by Popular Australian Accounts. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102332. [PMID: 37242215 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Social media is a popular source of nutrition information and can influence food choice. Instagram is widely used in Australia, and nutrition is frequently discussed on Instagram. However, little is known about the content of nutrition information published on Instagram. The aim of this study was to examine the content of nutrition-related posts from popular Australian Instagram accounts. Australian Instagram accounts with ≥100,000 followers, that primarily posted about nutrition, were identified. All posts from included accounts, from September 2020 to September 2021, were extracted and posts about nutrition were included. Post captions were analysed using Leximancer, a content analysis software, to identify concepts and themes. Text from each theme was read to develop a description and select illustrative quotes. The final sample included 10,964 posts from 61 accounts. Five themes were identified: (1) recipes; (2) food and nutrition practices; (3) body goals; (4) food literacy and (5) cooking at home. Recipes and practical information about nutrition and food preparation are popular on Instagram. Content about weight loss and physique-related goals is also popular and nutrition-related Instagram posts frequently include marketing of supplements, food and online programs. The popularity of nutrition-related content indicates that Instagram may be a useful health-promotion setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Denniss
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Rebecca Lindberg
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Sarah A McNaughton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
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22
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Willis E, Friedel K, Heisten M, Pickett M, Bhowmick A. Communicating Health Literacy on Prescription Medications on Social Media: In-depth Interviews With "Patient Influencers". J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e41867. [PMID: 36912881 PMCID: PMC10131845 DOI: 10.2196/41867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically, pharmaceutical companies have struggled with trust and brand reputation among key stakeholders and have adopted innovative marketing strategies to reach patients directly and rebuild those relationships. Social media influencers are a popular strategy to influence younger demographics, including Generation Z and millennials. It is common for social media influencers to work in paid partnerships with brands; this is a multibillion-dollar industry. Long have patients been active in online health communities and social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, but in recent years, pharmaceutical marketers have noticed the power of patient persuasion and begun to leverage "patient influencers" in brand campaigns. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore how patient influencers communicate health literacy on pharmaceutical medications on social media to their communities of followers. METHODS A total of 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with patient influencers using a snowball sampling technique. This study is part of a larger project using an interview guide that included a range of topics such as social media practices, logistics of being an influencer, considerations for brand partnerships, and views on the ethical nature of patient influencers. The constructs of the Health Belief Model were used in this study's data analysis: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. This study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Colorado and adhered to ethical standards in interview practice. RESULTS As patient influencers are a new phenomenon, it was our goal to identify how health literacy on prescription medications and pharmaceuticals is being communicated on social media. Using the constructs of the Health Belief Model to guide the analysis, 3 themes were identified: understanding disease through experience, staying informed on the science or field, and suggesting that physicians know best. CONCLUSIONS Patients are actively exchanging health information on social media channels and connecting with other patients who share similar diagnoses. Patient influencers share their knowledge and experience in efforts to help other patients learn about disease self-management and improve their quality of life. Similar to traditional direct-to-consumer advertising, the phenomenon of patient influencers raises ethical questions that need more investigation. In a way, patient influencers are health education agents who may also share prescription medication or pharmaceutical information. They can break down complex health information based on expertise and experience and mitigate the loneliness and isolation that other patients may feel without the support of a community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Willis
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Kate Friedel
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Mark Heisten
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | | | - Amrita Bhowmick
- Health Union, LLC, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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23
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Krisam M, Altendorfer LM. [Influencer Marketing in Healthcare: A Review]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 85:100-102. [PMID: 33706391 DOI: 10.1055/a-1377-6478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media influencers play an important role in the (digital) life of millions of Germans. In the health sector, these protagonists and their channels are used not only with commercial intentions, but also increasingly for the communication of health messages. We want to investigate if influencers can play an important role in promoting health. We summarize the current scientific evidence on the use of influencer marketing in health communication. METHODS Selective literature search on PubMed with the search terms "Influencer marketing" and "health" and summary of the results. RESULTS We identified 173 publications, from which four fulfilled the inclusion criteria. For the classification of health influencers, we propose 5 categories. CONCLUSION So far, there is only weak evidence for health-promoting effects through the communication of influencers. Both in practice and in science, more knowledge about the health-promoting use of influencers needs to be gained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Krisam
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaften, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
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24
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Klier K, Rommerskirchen T, Brixius K. #fitspiration: a comparison of the sport-related social media usage and its impact on body image in young adults. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:320. [PMID: 36575554 PMCID: PMC9793811 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-01027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following and posting sport-related content on social media is wide-spread among young people. To date, little is known about the interdependence between sport-related social media use and the thereby perceived personal body image. METHODS We conducted an online survey (N = 285) to examine how social media influences the sport-related body image. RESULTS In general, social media are frequently used for sport (n = 136, 47.7%). Resistance training correlated significantly with several motives of sport-related use of social media, and thus, represents the strong online presence of athletic sports. Less correlations could be found in team or other sports. Regarding the perception of body image, it was found that the group of rejecting (negative) body image significantly correlated with the emulation of social media mediated sport-related beauty and body ideals (r = 0.63, p = 0.001), as well as with increased body dissatisfaction when viewing sport-related posts on social media (r = 0.590, p = 0.001). Perceived social pressure and comparison were found to be mediators of the prevailing influence of social media usage. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal the importance of taking a closer look at socially shaped beauty and body ideals, especially in sport-related contents, striving for more educational campaigns such as Body Positivity and, above all, filtering information. Finally, future research is needed to gain deeper insight into young persons' usage behavior of social media and its impact on the individual's body image. Trial Registration The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich, Germany (01/24/2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Klier
- grid.7752.70000 0000 8801 1556Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Tessa Rommerskirchen
- grid.7752.70000 0000 8801 1556Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Klara Brixius
- grid.27593.3a0000 0001 2244 5164Institut für Kreislaufforschung und Sportmedizin, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Cologne, Germany
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25
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Al-Bisher MM, Al-Otaibi HH. Eating Concerns Associated with Nutritional Information Obtained from Social Media among Saudi Young Females: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16380. [PMID: 36554261 PMCID: PMC9778825 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Eating disorders have been highly prevalent in young females for decades for many reasons. Social media platforms have an enormous impact on users, especially young adults, who use them every day. In Saudi Arabia, social media is popular, with an estimated 72% of users being active in 2020. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between using social media to search for nutritional information and eating concerns. A nationwide study was conducted on 1092 young Saudi females aged 18-30 years from five administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online validated questionnaire, and symptoms of eating concerns were assessed using two brief instruments: SCOFF [Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food] and Eating disorders Screen for Primary care [ESP]. The prevalence of eating concerns was 49.6% among Saudi females. Moderate eating concerns were more prevalent in the central region 24.8%, whereas high eating concerns were more prevalent in the southern region 27.6%. Personal accounts of dietitian/nutritionists (OR = 1.170; 95% CI 1.071-1.277; p ≤ 0.001), interaction with offered experiments about new meals/restaurants, and diets on social media that were mostly promoted by celebrities/influencers (OR = 1.554; 95% CI 1.402-1.723; p ≤ 0.000) were the most prominent risk factors associated with being more likely to suffer from eating concerns. The present study recommends opening clinics specializing in nutrition on social media platforms that target young females to provide nutritional counselling and encourage a healthy lifestyle. In addition, it is important to plan awareness campaigns intended to educate young females on how to deal with messages that circulate on social media without any evidence regarding their truthfulness.
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García-Méndez C, García-Padilla FM, Romero-Martín M, Sosa-Cordobés E, Domínguez-Pérez MDM, Robles-Romero JM. Social networks: A quality tool for health dissemination? JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:355. [PMID: 36618459 PMCID: PMC9818683 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_355_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networks are integrated in our lives and, amongst other functions, they are a means of dissemination. There are numerous social network accounts dedicated to health that could be used as an educational resource. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of accounts dedicated to health in different social networks, assessing their content and didactic and technological effectiveness and accessibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Observational cross-sectional descriptive study in which an analysis of social networks related to health was carried out from April to June 2021 in Spain. Twenty-eight accounts were analysed using a mixed qualitative-quantitative methodology. Content analysis of the speeches disseminated through the selected accounts was performed. In addition, the quality of the accounts was assessed with the Instrumento de Evaluación de Recursos Educativos Digitales (#IE_RED) (Digital Educational Resources Evaluation Instrument [#IE_RED]). RESULTS Four categories were identified according to the content: student-focused profiles, specific professionals' profiles, current health issues and profiles promoting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, the quality of the accounts obtained a score that indicates they meet the requirements to be validated as a good educational digital resource but could be improved. Instagram social network accounts and those managed by nurses scored significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS The analysed accounts were revealed as a quality tool for health dissemination, with varied content and applicable to teaching. Their use could be applied both to the training of health professionals and to the promotion of the population's health.
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Baxter K, Czarnecka B, Schivinski B, Massaro MR. Masculine men do not like feminine wording: The effectiveness of gendered wording in health promotion leaflets in the UK. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273927. [PMID: 36301843 PMCID: PMC9612536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Following mixed-methods sequential design and drawing on the message-audience congruence concept and homophily theory, across three studies in the UK, we examined the effect of gendered wording and endorser’s gender on the effectiveness of leaflets promoting walking. In Study 1, a mall-intercept study achieved 247 completed questionnaires. Results demonstrated that men and women indicated the highest behavioural intentions for communal wording presented by a male endorser. However, pairwise comparisons revealed that when the wording of the advert was agentic and the endorser was male, males indicated significantly higher scores of behavioural intentions compared with females. Attitude towards the ad for women was highest for communal wording/female endorser; for men it was for agentic wording/male endorser. In Study 2, consumers’ views towards the gendered content were explored in 20 semi-structured interviews. In study 3 we examined the impact of the respondent’s gender role identity on gendered content effectiveness. Overall, when controlled for level of gender role identity, only masculine males evaluated leaflets featuring communal wording negatively which suggests that wording matters only for masculine males, but not for other men and women. Theoretically, we identified that gender-based message-respondent congruence is not a necessary aspect of communications to be effective, except for one group: masculine males. Our study identified dominant gender role identity as a factor that explained respondents’ preferences for presented stimuli. Specifically, males who display masculine gender role identity differ in evaluations of communal wording from all other groups. Social and commercial marketers who target men and women with exercise-related services should consider the use of agentic wording endorsed by a male endorser when targeting masculine men to increase the likelihood of eliciting positive attitudes towards the communication. However, such distinctions should not be associated with differences in women’s evaluations or men who do not report masculine gender role identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Baxter
- Department of Business Management and Marketing, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Czarnecka
- Division of Management, Marketing and People, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Schivinski
- School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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Steube F, Löwe B, Weigel A. "Belly Only Pregnancy" content on social media and in internet blogs: a qualitative analysis on its definition and potential risks and benefits. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2435-2445. [PMID: 35239173 PMCID: PMC9556386 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Social media enlarge the impact of health and fitness trends on body image and lifestyle choices, also in birthing parents. A new and yet to investigate social media trend addressing expectant mothers is "Belly Only Pregnancy". This qualitative study sought to define this new trend and clarify whether content related to this trend might disrupt body image or eating habits in expectant mothers. METHODS Picture and text data were gathered on a key day by screening Instagram and blog posts including or linking #bellyonlypregnancy. The identified data were categorized applying qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA software version 2018. RESULTS Three hundred and fifty-one Instagram and eight blog posts were included. Our qualitative analysis' results indicated that the term "Belly Only Pregnancy" was used for describing: (1) The phenotype of an athletic woman whose abdominal size enlarges during pregnancy while not gaining excessive fat tissue. (2) An active lifestyle during pregnancy consisting of healthy nutrition and regular exercise pursuing goals like fast weight loss post-partum. Also, bodily, and mental gestational changes and the feasibility of this lifestyle were discussed. CONCLUSION A "Belly Only Pregnancy" allegorizes an ideal body type for expecting mothers. Especially women with increased vulnerability for an eating disorder might be negatively affected by the consumption of content linked to this trend. However, the positive effects of a healthy diet and exercise should not be denied keeping into account the increasing prevalence of obesity and gestational diabetes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felizia Steube
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Weigel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Koppenburg C, Saxer F, Vach W, Lüchtenberg D, Goesele A. Eating disorder risks and awareness among female elite cyclists: an anonymous survey. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:172. [PMID: 36151580 PMCID: PMC9502946 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00563-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Eating disorders (EDs) are an increasingly recognized concern in professional sports. Previous studies suggests that both female gender and endurance sports put athletes at risk. Female elite cyclists are hence of specific interest. The present study aimed at evaluating the distribution of the individual risk of ED in this group. Further the association between individual risk and both the awareness for the topic ED and the deviation from “normal” weight was depicted. Methods Female cyclists registered with the Union Cycliste Internationale were contacted via email or facebook and asked to complete a survey comprising age, weight, the Eating-Attitude-Test (EAT-26), and questions regarding ED awareness. The observed distribution of the EAT-26 score was compared to results from previous studies in normal subjects and athletes. The distribution of the ED awareness was described and ED awareness was correlated with the EAT-26 score. Both the deviation from ideal weight and the body mass index (BMI) were correlated with the EAT-26 score. Results Of the 409 registered athletes 386 could be contacted, 122 completed the questionnaire. Age ranged from 20-44yrs, BMI from 17.0 to 24.6 kg/m2. In the EAT-26, 39 cyclists (32.0%) scored above 20 points indicating a potential benefit from clinical evaluation, 34 cyclists (27.9%) scored 10–19 points suggesting disordered eating. Sixteen athletes (13.2%) had been treated for an ED. About 70% of athletes had been pressured to lose weight. The mean EAT-26 score was above the average observed in normal female populations. It was also above the average observed in many female athlete populations, but lower than in other leanness focussed sports. More than 80%of athletes perceived elite cyclists at risk for developing ED. Increased ED awareness and deviation from the ideal weight were associated with higher EAT-26 scores, but not the body mass index. Conclusion Female cyclists are at risk of developing ED and they are aware of this risk. To improve their health and well-being, increased efforts to support elite cyclists and their teams in preventive activities and early detection are crucial. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13102-022-00563-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Koppenburg
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Konstanz, Postfach 30, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany.,Crossklinik Basel, Bundesstr. 1, CH-4054, Basel, Switzerland
| | - F Saxer
- Basel Academy for Quality and Research in Medicine, Steinenring 6, CH- 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland.,Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - W Vach
- Basel Academy for Quality and Research in Medicine, Steinenring 6, CH- 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - D Lüchtenberg
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Konstanz, Postfach 30, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - A Goesele
- Crossklinik Basel, Bundesstr. 1, CH-4054, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Zamil DH, Ameri M, Fu S, Abughosh FM, Katta R. Skin, hair, and nail supplements advertised on Instagram. Proc AMIA Symp 2022; 36:38-40. [PMID: 36578583 PMCID: PMC9762852 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2124767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Teens and young adults increasingly utilize social media for health information. Dermatologic supplements, advertised on social media, may be pharmacologically active and risk adverse effects. Instagram was searched, and 100 posts from March 2021 were evaluated for ingredients, health claims, account verification status, and endorsements. Only 4% of posts were made by verified accounts, and 1% of posts contained a visible Supplement Facts label. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements. Ingredients such as vitamin A found in posts can pose teratogenic risk. Other potentially dangerous ingredients included saw palmetto and biotin. To accurately counsel patients who may retrieve health information from Instagram, it is important for practitioners to be familiar with social media claims.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - May Ameri
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shangyi Fu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Rajani Katta
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas,Corresponding author: Rajani Katta, MD, Katta Dermatology, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 695, Bellaire, TX77401 (e-mail: )
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31
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Shine D, Minehan M, Knight-Agarwal C. #Healthpromotion: A qualitative exploration of how dietitians can use social media to positively influence women aged 18-35 years. Nutr Diet 2022; 79:489-496. [PMID: 36082525 PMCID: PMC9546398 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aims To understand how young adult women use social media, including which nutrition and health‐related content they prefer to view and why. Findings are intended to support dietitians to use social media more effectively for health promotion to reach, educate and positively influence young adult women. Methods Qualitative research was conducted through semi‐structured interviews involving 10 women aged 18–35 years via Zoom videoconferencing. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Results Young adult women use social media daily to view a wide variety of content, including nutrition and health‐related content. Three themes were identified: authenticity, engaging content, and affecting trust through selling products. Conclusion To effectively use social media for health promotion, dietitians need to share their authentic voice while maintaining professional standards. Recommendations for effective social media engagement include using engaging content, infographics, and videos with closed captions. More research is needed to assess whether health promotion deployed via social media is effective at increasing nutrition knowledge, improving health literacy, and producing behaviour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Shine
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Michelle Minehan
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Cathy Knight-Agarwal
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Hashim J, Smith HE, Tai ES, Yi H. Lay perceptions of diabetes mellitus and prevention costs and benefits among adults undiagnosed with the condition in Singapore: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1582. [PMID: 35987615 PMCID: PMC9392359 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Therapeutic lifestyle changes can reduce individual risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by up to 58%. In Singapore, rates of preventive practices were low, despite a high level of knowledge and awareness of T2D risk and prevention. The study explored the context of the discrepancy between knowledge and practices in T2D prevention among adults undiagnosed with the condition.
Methods
In-depth interviews with 41 adults explored lay beliefs of T2D and the sources of these perceptions, subjective interpretation of how T2D may impact lives, and perceived costs and benefits of practising preventative behaviours. Purposive sampling was used to maximise the variability of participants in demographic characteristics. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes related to the domains of inquiry.
Results
Participants’ risk perceptions were influenced by familial, social, and cultural contexts of the representation and management of T2D conditions. The adverse effects of T2D were often narrated in food culture. The cost of adopting a healthy diet was perceived at a high cost of life pleasure derived from food consumption and social interactions. Inconveniences, loss of social functions, dependency and distress were the themes related to T2D management. Participants’ motivation to preventive practices, such as exercise and weight loss, were influenced by short-term observable benefits.
Conclusions
T2D risk communication needs to be addressed in emotionally impactful and interpersonally salient ways to increase the urgency to adopt preventative behaviours. Shifting perceived benefits from long-term disease prevention to short-term observable wellbeing could reduce the response cost of healthy eating.
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Ares G, Antúnez L, de León C, Alcaire F, Vidal L, Natero V, Otterbring T. 'Even if you don't pay attention to it, you know it's there': A qualitative exploration of adolescents' experiences with digital food marketing. Appetite 2022; 176:106128. [PMID: 35718311 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to digital food marketing. However, research on adolescents' recall, awareness, and opinions of this type of marketing is still scarce. Accordingly, the present study aimed to conduct an in-depth examination of adolescents' experiences with digital food marketing. A convenience sample of 209 adolescents was recruited at two private educational institutions and a public health facility in Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay. Semi-structured group interviews were conducted, recorded in audio and transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed using content analysis based on a deductive-inductive approach. Results showed that participants were highly exposed to digital food marketing, as they all remembered having seen advertisements, with those of fast-food restaurants and food-ordering apps being the most frequently mentioned. According to the adolescents' accounts, images, colors, music, oversized portions, product novelty, price promotions and celebrities were the most memorable aspects of food advertisements. Participants recognized the effect of advertisements on product awareness and wanting, and, to a lesser extent, on actual purchase and consumption behavior. Factors that were thought to mediate the impact of digital marketing on food choice were also identified. In the final part of the interviews, participants proposed strategies to reduce the effect of digital marketing on their food choices, which included both regulatory approaches to reduce exposure to digital marketing of unhealthy foods and behavior change communication. Together, the current findings provide insights for the development of multifaceted strategies to reduce the effects of digital food marketing on the eating habits of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. CP 91000. Pando, Canelones, Uruguay.
| | - Lucía Antúnez
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. CP 91000. Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | | | - Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. CP 91000. Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Vidal
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. CP 91000. Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Virginia Natero
- Departamento de Alimentos, Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Tobias Otterbring
- School of Business and Law, Department of Management, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 17, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway; Institute of Retail Economics, Regeringsgatan 60, 103 29, Stockholm, Sweden
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Friedman VJ, Wright CJC, Molenaar A, McCaffrey T, Brennan L, Lim MSC. The Use of Social Media as a Persuasive Platform to Facilitate Nutrition and Health Behavior Change in Young Adults: Web-Based Conversation Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e28063. [PMID: 35583920 PMCID: PMC9161050 DOI: 10.2196/28063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, suboptimal dietary choices are a leading cause of noncommunicable diseases. Evidence for effective interventions to address these behaviors, particularly in young adults, is limited. Given the substantial time young adults spend in using social media, there is interest in understanding the current and potential role of these platforms in shaping dietary behavior. Objective This study aims to explore the influence of social media on young adults’ dietary behaviors. Methods We recruited 234 young adults aged 18-24 years and living in Australia, using market and social research panels. We applied a digital ethnography approach to collect data from web-based conversations in a series of forums, where participants responded to different health-themed questions related to health behavior change and persuasion on social media. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis. Results Participants described how social media influenced their decisions to change their health behaviors. Access to social support and health information through web-based communities was juxtaposed with exposure to highly persuasive fast-food advertisements. Some participants expressed that exposure to web-based health-focused content induced feelings of guilt about their behavior, which was more prominent among women. Fast-food advertisements were discussed as a contributor to poor health behaviors and indicated as a major barrier to change. Conclusions Young adults reported that social media is highly persuasive toward dietary behavior through different pathways of social influence. This suggests that social norms on the web are an important aspect of changing young adults’ health behaviors. The commercialization of social media also encourages poor health behaviors, largely through fast-food advertisements. Future social media–delivered dietary interventions should acknowledge the social and environmental factors that challenge the ability of young adults to make individual health behavior improvements. Care should also be taken to ensure that future interventions do not further elicit guilt in a way that contributes to poor mental health within this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa J Friedman
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cassandra J C Wright
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | | | | | - Linda Brennan
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Megan S C Lim
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
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35
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Yuan YH, Yeh YC, Wu CH, Liu CY, Chen HH, Chen CW. The Study of Para-Social Interaction With E-Word-of-Mouth for Influencer Marketing by Complex Computing. J ORGAN END USER COM 2022. [DOI: 10.4018/joeuc.287105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was focused on exploring the relationship among the fans’ preferences, fans’ para-social interaction, and fans’ word-of-mouth. A survey consisted of 21 items based on the literature review and developed by this study. An online survey was distributed to the users of YouTube in Taiwan. A total of 606 valid samples was collected by survey. The instrument passed the reliability and validity test. Further, the data process applied the PLS (partial least squares) regression analysis methodology. The result shows that the ‘attractive’ impacted ‘para-social interaction’, ‘e-word-of-mouth’, and ‘preferences of fans’ positively. In addition, the para-social interaction plays an important role as a mediator between influencer’s attractiveness, w-word-of-mouth, and preferences of fans. Some suggestions were provided for social media influence’ related studies as reference.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chia-Huei Wu
- Minghsin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsin-Hao Chen
- Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
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36
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Fielden N, Holch P. ‘Exploring the Influence of Social Media Influencers on Intention to Attend Cervical Screening in the UK: Utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour’. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221079480. [PMID: 35403444 PMCID: PMC8998370 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221079480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cervical cancer is 99.8% preventable when detected early; however, uptake of
screening in the United Kingdom is at a 20-year low. Recently, a number of
social media influencers have video logged about their experiences of
cervical screening through narrative communication with their audience. Here
we aimed to explore if accessing cervical screening information from a
social media influencer can impact the theory of planned behaviour variables
and predict intention to attend cervical screening appointments. Design Utilising a cross-sectional design a volunteer sample of 102 UK women (mean
age = 28; SD = 3.10; range = 25–35) took part in an online questionnaire
study. Results Hierarchical regression modelling revealed attitude as a significant
predictor of intention to attend a cervical screening appointment and that
social media influencers affect attitudes of their audience, indirectly
influencing intention to attend. Conclusion Health messages communicated by social media influencers are effective in
promoting positive attitudes but not directly influence intention to attend
towards cervical screening. Further research should explore influencer
impact on attitudes towards this health behaviour with the ultimate aim of
increasing attendance and consequently saving lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Fielden
- Department of Psychology, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Patricia Holch
- Department of Psychology, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
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37
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Cataldo I, Burkauskas J, Dores AR, Carvalho IP, Simonato P, De Luca I, Gómez-Martínez MÁ, Melero Ventola AR, Demetrovics Z, Szabo A, Ábel KE, Shibata M, Kobayashi K, Fujiwara H, Arroyo-Anlló EM, Martinotti G, Barbosa F, Griskova-Bulanova I, Pranckeviciene A, Bowden-Jones H, Esposito G, Corazza O. An international cross-sectional investigation on social media, fitspiration content exposure, and related risks during the COVID-19 self-isolation period. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:34-44. [PMID: 35093805 PMCID: PMC8782623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
With the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments from many countries in the world implemented various restrictions to prevent the SARS-Cov-2 virus's spread, including social distancing measures, quarantine, in-home lockdown, and the closure of services and public spaces. This led to an in-creased use of social media platforms to make people feel more connected, but also to maintain physical activity while self-isolating. Concerns about physical appearance and the desire to keep or reach a muscular and toned ideal body, might have further reinforced the engagement in fitness-related social media activities, like sharing progresses in training achievements or following more fitness contents on popular profiles. To better understand the underlying relation among these factors, the present study investigates 729 responses to the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and their association to social media usage and compares the results cross-culturally in five countries (Spain, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Japan, and Hungary). Findings highlight significant differences between males and females, espe-cially in regard to the time spent online (U = 477.5, p = 0.036). Greater levels of appearance anxiety were associated with the exposure to fitness-related contents on social media. These results strongly confirm the previously highlighted association between fitspiration media and body image anxiety predominantly in females. Clinical implications and future considerations in terms of prevention and treatment in a situation of global emergency are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Artemisa R. Dores
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal,School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene P. Carvalho
- Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department and CINTESIS, School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pierluigi Simonato
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Ilaria De Luca
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | | | | | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Szabo
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Mami Shibata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kei Kobayashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan,Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Society Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Saitama, Japan
| | - Eva Maria Arroyo-Anlló
- Department of Psychobiology, Neuroscience Institute of Castilla-León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inga Griskova-Bulanova
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aiste Pranckeviciene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy,Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
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Carter JJ, Vartanian LR. Self-concept clarity and appearance-based social comparison to idealized bodies. Body Image 2022; 40:124-130. [PMID: 34929487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to images of idealized bodies in the media has been shown to increase body dissatisfaction among women. One of the mechanisms through which exposure influences body dissatisfaction is appearance-based comparison with the people in the images. The present study tested the hypothesis that individuals low in self-concept clarity (i.e., individuals who lack a clear sense of their own identity) would be more likely to compare themselves to images of thin models, and would consequently experience greater body dissatisfaction. White female participants (N = 489) were exposed to either images featuring idealized bodies or neutral control images, and then indicated the extent to which they compared their appearance to that of the targets and reported their level of body dissatisfaction. A moderated-mediation model showed that the effect of exposure condition on body dissatisfaction via appearance comparison to the targets depended on the participant's level of self-concept clarity. Those with lower self-concept clarity engaged in greater comparison when exposed to idealized images relative to control images, leading to greater post-exposure body dissatisfaction. These findings suggest that low self-concept clarity might increase vulnerability to the negative effects of exposure to idealized media images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne J Carter
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052 Australia.
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Tricas-Vidal HJ, Vidal-Peracho MC, Lucha-López MO, Hidalgo-García C, Lucha-López AC, Monti-Ballano S, Corral-de Toro J, Márquez-Gonzalvo S, Tricás-Moreno JM. Nutrition-Related Content on Instagram in the United States of America: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Foods 2022; 11:foods11020239. [PMID: 35053971 PMCID: PMC8774557 DOI: 10.3390/foods11020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Internet is today the largest platform for food distribution, and there are concerns about the impact that digital marketing has in the field of nutrition by promoting non-evidence-based recommendations. The purpose of this study was to describe the user profile that draws on Instagram to follow nutrition-related content versus not, and to analyze the frequency and type of content of the information provided by nutritional influencers. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving randomly selected United States residents having an Instagram account was performed. Participants completed an anonymous online survey link. Results: From 898 respondents, 78.7% were women, and 75.6% were Millennials. Scientific evidence present in the posts was 14.3%. Influencers promoted a product or a brand in more than 90% of posts. Women followed more nutrition-related content than men (p < 0.001). Millennials, followed by Generation-Z, followed more nutrition-related content (p < 0.001). There were no significant relationships between the following status of nutrition-related content with BMI, type of job, household income, education degree, or smoking habits. Conclusions: Women and Millennials followed more nutrition-related content. Scientific evidence was scarce and commercial interest in the network was evident. The vast majority of the posts were not based on scientific evidence and instead promoted a product/supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector José Tricas-Vidal
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
- School of Health Professions, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, 900 College St., Belton, TX 76513, USA
| | - María Concepción Vidal-Peracho
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Royo Villanova, SALUD, Barrio San Gregorio, s/n, 50015 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Orosia Lucha-López
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.L.-L.); (C.H.-G.); Tel.: +34-626480131 (C.H.-G.)
| | - César Hidalgo-García
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.L.-L.); (C.H.-G.); Tel.: +34-626480131 (C.H.-G.)
| | - Ana Carmen Lucha-López
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
| | - Sofía Monti-Ballano
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
| | - Jaime Corral-de Toro
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
| | - Sergio Márquez-Gonzalvo
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
| | - José Miguel Tricás-Moreno
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Universidad de Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (H.J.T.-V.); (M.C.V.-P.); (A.C.L.-L.); (S.M.-B.); (J.C.-d.T.); (S.M.-G.); (J.M.T.-M.)
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Elhariry M, Malhotra K, Solomon M, Goyal K, Kempegowda P. Top 100 #PCOS influencers: Understanding who, why and how online content for PCOS is influenced. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1084047. [PMID: 36568090 PMCID: PMC9768020 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1084047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the exponential increase in digital space of social media platforms, a new group called social media influencers are driving online content of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which eventually influences behaviour and decision-making process. The objective of this study was to identify the top 100 social media (Twitter) influencers and organizations from across the globe who are advocating for PCOS. We further explored the origin and journey of these social media influencers. METHODS We identified the top 100 PCOS influencers and organizations between July and August 2022 using three social network analysis tools- Cronycle, Symplur and SocioViz. These influencers were invited to a semi-structured interview to explore why they chose to become an influencer and the support they have to deliver their online content. Two independent authors coded the anonymised transcripts from these interviews and broad themes were identified by thematic inductive analysis. RESULTS 95.0% of individual influencers and 80% of organisations are from high-income countries. Most influencers in our study agree that social media is an essential tool in the present day to raise awareness of PCOS. However, they reiterated social media also has significant disadvantages that require consideration and caution. Most influencers were driven by poor personal experience and worked voluntarily to reduce misinformation and improve the experiences of women diagnosed with PCOS in the future. Although there is an interest in working together, there is currently minimal collaborative work between influencers. CONCLUSION There is a global inequity of #PCOS influencers online. Establishing standards and support based on evidence may help develop more influencers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, so we can counter misinformation and provide locally acceptable guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiar Elhariry
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kashish Malhotra
- Department of Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Michelle Solomon
- UCL Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kashish Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Delhi Heart Institute and Multispeciality Hospital, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Punith Kempegowda
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Punith Kempegowda,
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Durau J, Diehl S, Terlutter R. Motivate me to exercise with you: The effects of social media fitness influencers on users’ intentions to engage in physical activity and the role of user gender. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221102769. [PMID: 35615268 PMCID: PMC9125114 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221102769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Social media fitness influencers are evolving into a new digital form of health communicators whom consumers might turn to for assistance with more physical activity and exercise at home, especially in the current COVID-19 crisis. Drawing from source credibility theory, social cognitive theory, protection motivation theory and literature on physical activity, physical fitness and gender, we analyse how male and female users’ evaluations of social media fitness influencers and user health-related variables impact intentions to exercise with the social media fitness influencer. Methods Two consecutive studies using male and female YouTube fitness influencers were carried out. Structural equation modelling was conducted to test the proposed models and estimate the path coefficients. Results Study 1 (N = 507) shows that the respective influencer's perceived trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness are important for the influencer's evaluation, and that it is the perceived motivating power rather than the attitude toward the influencer that increases intentions to exercise for male and female users. Study 2 (N = 445) extends Study 1 and shows that physical fitness, training involvement with YouTube fitness videos and lower health increase behavioural intentions. A more negative body image also raises intentions to exercise, but only among female users. Conclusion Social media fitness influencers who are perceived as trustworthy, as experts and as attractive, can be effective for increasing men's and women's physical activity. Perceived motivating power of the influencer emerged as a key variable that predicts intentions to exercise. User health-related variables have different effects on intentions to exercise for men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Durau
- Department of Media and Communications, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Sandra Diehl
- Department of Media and Communications, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Ralf Terlutter
- Department of Marketing and International Management, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
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Olejniczak A. The usage of instagram app on the example of young consumers of the generation Z. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/sjm17-40460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The popularity of social media continues to grow. Many statistics report that mostly young people spend the highest amount of time on social networking sites. The purpose of the paper is to present results of the study on respondents' browsing and content publishing behavior on the Instagram platform. The author focused on several available forms, such as posts, stories, IGTV, live. The study focused on young consumers, belonging to generation Z. The author mainly researched how much time does the young generation spend on Instagram platform, which form is more preferred among respondents, in context of viewing or creating content by them. Moreover the study also focused on differences in the use of Instagram app among generation Z based on gender, education and place of residence. The study showed that the representatives of the mentioned generation prefer both viewing and adding primarily stories, and secondarily posts. Neither IGTV nor live are of much interest. Recipients are reluctant to view or create this type of content.
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Prabhu V, Munawar K. Radiology on Instagram: Analysis of Public Accounts and Identified Areas for Content Creation. Acad Radiol 2022; 29:77-83. [PMID: 32980242 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Radiology social media research has focused on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, with minimal attention to Instagram, which may be a natural platform for engagement. We evaluated features of public radiology-related Instagram accounts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Instagram accounts were searched using the term "radiology." Two independent raters used a coding system developed through initial content review to categorize account user types and post aims over the study month (October 2019). Multivariate linear regressions were performed. RESULTS 49 Instagram accounts and their 459 posts were retrieved. Users had median 117 total posts (interquartile range 43-203), 9 posts during the study month (1-16), 3079 followers (695-19,600), and 106 followed users (50-351). Most users were radiologists (41%, most commonly academic), radiology practices (12%, most commonly academic) and 10% radiology professional societies. The 459 posts had median 178 likes (interquartile range 51-353) and 2 comments (0-5); single videos had median 4693 views (2183-6080). 75% of posts were radiology images or videos (of these, 29% MRI, 28% CT). 65% of posts were clinical imaging cases (most commonly neuroradiology). Seven posts violated HIPAA regulations, all originating outside the U.S. When controlling for number of account followers, posts by radiology society (β = -130.6, p = 0.017) and practice accounts (β = -90.6, p = 0.049) had fewer post likes. An artwork post was the only significant predictor of greater post likes (β = +866.2, p < 0.001) and comments (β = +14.3, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Instagram is commonly used by academic radiologists to present clinical imaging cases. Radiologists should consider opportunities for greater application of this unique image-based social media platform.
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Granheim SI, Løvhaug AL, Terragni L, Torheim LE, Thurston M. Mapping the digital food environment: A systematic scoping review. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13356. [PMID: 34519396 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Food environments are directly linked to diets and health outcomes such as overweight, obesity, and noncommunicable diseases. The digitalization of food environments is becoming a central issue in public health, yet little is known about this emerging field. We performed a systematic scoping review to map the research on the digital food environment and investigate how the eight dimensions of the food environment, according to an established framework (availability, prices, vendor and product properties, marketing and regulation, accessibility, affordability, convenience, and desirability), might be shifting in the context of a digital society. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2000 and 2019, using search terms covering digital technology and food environment, which yielded 13,580 unique records. Our analysis of 357 studies shows that digitalization is taking place in all dimensions of the food environment, and enabling the emergence of new forms of buying and selling food, such as online grocery shopping and online food delivery, which may be changing availability of foods and affecting the physical distance to shops and time allocated for shopping. Systematic reviews identified indicated that digital food marketing and social media can influence food choices, preferences and consumption. Our findings suggest that digital and physical food environments are interconnected and influencing one another, but the impact of the digital on health and nutrition is yet unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Ionata Granheim
- Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Anne Lene Løvhaug
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laura Terragni
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv Elin Torheim
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miranda Thurston
- Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Advertising and the media in eating disorders. NUTR HOSP 2022; 39:55-61. [DOI: 10.20960/nh.04179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Rogers A, Wilkinson S, Truby H, Downie O. Communication of Nutrition Information by Influencers on Social Media: A Scoping Review. Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:657-676. [PMID: 34870880 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Although government promoted public health, social media and media campaigns have communicated nutrition information, the Australian population remain chronic under-consumers of fruit and vegetables and over-consumers of ultra-processed foods. This scoping review aimed to determine how social media influencers (SMI) communicate nutrition information and the factors that influence the popularity of messages. Identified factors could inform how governments may utilise social media to impact positively on food choices. METHODS Nine databases were searched in the past 5 years (2016-2021). After relevant sources were identified, entire texts of the grey literature and the 'Results' sections of the academic literature were coded. Using Microsoft Word, each key feature of the relevant text was highlighted, and the relevant code was recorded. Inductive coding was utilised where codes were created based on the text itself. These codes were then sorted iteratively into relevant themes and subthemes. RESULTS Eleven studies were included. From these sources, five themes were identified. These were, 1) Promoting Dietary Change, 2) Certain Modes/Styles of Content Delivery, 3) An Attractive Individual, 4) Language Features and 5) Appearing Connected to the Audience. CONCLUSION SMI are selective in their content and communication techniques to ensure their nutrition messages are popular with social media users. These methods exhibited by SMI could inform strategies to build trust in government messages about food and nutrition. SO WHAT?: SMI are able to nurture trust and exert influence on followers. It may be possible to leverage existing SMI to deliver specific nutrition messages to their audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rogers
- The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science, Australia
| | - Shelley Wilkinson
- The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science, Australia
| | - Helen Truby
- The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science, Australia
| | - Olivia Downie
- The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science, Australia
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Marocolo M, Meireles A, de Souza HLR, Mota GR, Oranchuk DJ, Arriel RA, Leite LHR. Is Social Media Spreading Misinformation on Exercise and Health in Brazil? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11914. [PMID: 34831671 PMCID: PMC8618405 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Instagram (IG) reaches millions of people, sharing personal content and all kinds of information, including those related to exercise and health. However, the scientific quality of the posted information is questionable. Thus, this study aimed to analyze whether exercise and health information posted by popular Brazilian IG influencers has technical-scientific accuracy. A personal IG account was created to identify Brazilian IG profiles. The inclusion criteria of the accounts were: (1) having 50% of all the shared posts related to topics about exercise and health, such as nutrition, health and wellness, medicine, or physical fitness; and (2) having over 100,000 followers. Qualitative analysis revealed a low quality percentage (38.79 ± 25.43%) for all analyzed posts. Out of all the posts, only 13 (~2.7%) cited a reference endorsing the information. Moreover, the higher quality-ratio score of the posts was not directly associated with the higher educational qualification of the influencers (r = 0.313; p = 0.076). Nevertheless, the number of followers was inversely correlated with the educational qualification of the influencers (r = -0.450; p = 0.009), but not with the quality-ratio score of the posts (r = -0.178 p = 0.322). We conclude that prominent Brazilian IG influencers disseminate low-quality information about exercise and health, contributing to the wide-spreading of misinformation to millions of followers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moacir Marocolo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil; (A.M.); (H.L.R.d.S.); (R.A.A.); (L.H.R.L.)
| | - Anderson Meireles
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil; (A.M.); (H.L.R.d.S.); (R.A.A.); (L.H.R.L.)
| | - Hiago Leandro Rodrigues de Souza
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil; (A.M.); (H.L.R.d.S.); (R.A.A.); (L.H.R.L.)
| | - Gustavo Ribeiro Mota
- Exercise Science, Health and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Sport Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-180, Brazil;
| | - Dustin Jay Oranchuk
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - Rhaí André Arriel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil; (A.M.); (H.L.R.d.S.); (R.A.A.); (L.H.R.L.)
| | - Laura Hora Rios Leite
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil; (A.M.); (H.L.R.d.S.); (R.A.A.); (L.H.R.L.)
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Meleo-Erwin ZC, Basch CH, Fera J, Smith B. Discussion of Weight Loss Surgery in Instagram Posts: Successive Sampling Study. JMIR Perioper Med 2021; 4:e29390. [PMID: 34723828 PMCID: PMC8593803 DOI: 10.2196/29390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of American adults search for health and illness information on the internet. However, the quality and accuracy of this information are notoriously variable. With the advent of social media, US individuals have increasingly shared their own health and illness experiences, including those related to bariatric surgery, on social media platforms. Previous research has found that peer-to-peer requesting and giving of advice related to bariatric surgery on social media is common, that such advice is often presented in stark terms, and that the advice may not reflect patient standards of care. These previous investigations have helped to map bariatric surgery content on Facebook and YouTube. OBJECTIVE This objective of this study was to document and compare weight loss surgery (WLS)-related content on Instagram in the months leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic and 1 year later. METHODS We analyzed a total of 300 Instagram posts (50 posts per week for 3 consecutive weeks in late February and early March in both 2020 and 2021) uploaded using the hashtag #wls. Descriptive statistics were reported, and independent 1-tailed chi-square tests were used to determine if a post's publication year statistically affected its inclusion of a particular type of content. RESULTS Overall, advice giving and personal responsibility for outcomes were emphasized by WLS posters on Instagram. However, social support was less emphasized. The safety, challenges, and risks associated with WLS were rarely discussed. The majority of posts did not contain references to facts from reputable medical sources. Posts published in 2021 were more likely to mention stress/hardships of living with WLS (45/150, 30%, vs 29/150, 19.3%; P=.03); however, those published in 2020 more often identified the importance of ongoing support for WLS success (35/150, 23.3%, vs 16/150, 10.7%; P=.004). CONCLUSIONS Given that bariatric patients have low rates of postoperative follow-up, yet post-operative care and yet support are associated with improved health and weight loss outcomes, and given that health content on the web is of mixed accuracy, bariatric professionals may wish to consider including an online support forum moderated by a professional as a routine part of postoperative care. Doing so may not only improve follow-up rates but may offer providers the opportunity to counter inaccuracies encountered on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe C Meleo-Erwin
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Corey H Basch
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Joseph Fera
- Department of Mathematics, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Bonnie Smith
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ, United States
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Murashka V, Liu J, Peng Y. Fitspiration on Instagram: Identifying Topic Clusters in User Comments to Posts with Objectification Features. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1537-1548. [PMID: 32543921 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1773702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine features of objectified images in popular fitspiration accounts on social media, identify the most prevalent user discussion topics about these images, and investigate the linkages between specific objectification cues and discussion topics. We employed content analysis to identify gender-specific objectification elements in fitspiration images (N = 2,000) on Instagram and unsupervised topic modeling to uncover topics in user comments (N = 35,263). Multilevel regressions were conducted to examine how gender and objectification features associate with the topics. Results revealed that one-third of the images were objectified. Objectification features such as sexual posing and the presence of objectified chest or abdomen were associated with the occurrence of two out of the three most prominent topic clusters (inspiration, body, and image-related discussions). We concluded that objectified fitspiration may distract users from health goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volha Murashka
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Georgia, Athens
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Georgia, Athens
| | - Yilang Peng
- Department of Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics, University of Georgia, Athens
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Vijaykumar S, Raamkumar AS, McCarty K, Mutumbwa C, Mustafa J, Au C. Themes, communities and influencers of online probiotics chatter: A retrospective analysis from 2009-2017. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258098. [PMID: 34673767 PMCID: PMC8530318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We build on recent examinations questioning the quality of online information about probiotic products by studying the themes of content, detecting virtual communities and identifying key influencers in social media using data science techniques. We conducted topic modelling (n = 36,715 tweets) and longitudinal social network analysis (n = 17,834 tweets) of probiotic chatter on Twitter from 2009–17. We used Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to build the topic models and network analysis tool Gephi for building yearly graphs. We identified the top 10 topics of probiotics-related communication on Twitter and a constant rise in communication activity. However the number of communities grew consistently to peak in 2014 before dipping and levelling off by 2017. While several probiotics industry actors appeared and disappeared during this period, the influence of one specific actor rose from a hub initially to an authority in the latter years. With multi-brand advertising and probiotics promotions mostly occupying the Twitter chatter, scientists, journalists, or policymakers exerted minimal influence in these communities. Consistent with previous research, we find that probiotics-related content on social media veers towards promotions and benefits. Probiotic industry actors maintain consistent presence on Twitter while transitioning from hubs to authorities over time; scientific entities assume an authoritative role without much engagement. The involvement of scientific, journalistic or regulatory stakeholders will help create a balanced informational environment surrounding probiotic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Vijaykumar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Kristofor McCarty
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Cuthbert Mutumbwa
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jawwad Mustafa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Cyndy Au
- Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
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